Good Afternoon Western Families,
It is hard to believe that this week marks the halfway point of the first quarter! This is a great time to log into PowerSchool and review your student’s grades and progress. If you notice any missing assignments or areas for improvement, we encourage you to have a conversation with your student to ensure they are staying on track. Your involvement makes a big difference in their success in Middle School!
Safety and Security:
I want to let you all know that we will be conducting a lockdown drill tomorrow afternoon.
Please know this drill is completely precautionary and an opportunity to practice keeping our students safe in the event of an emergency. At times, these drills are run in conjunction with our local emergency response teams. This helps ensure law enforcement and emergency responders are familiar with our buildings and procedures in the event of a real emergency and will help us build great relationships with these teams. This drill has been announced to our staff so they are not alarmed when the call goes out over the intercom.
These drills provide us with useful information in how we design our School Safety Plans. We have a committee that regularly reviews our procedures to help ensure we are providing the safest building we can for our students and staff.
If you have any questions about drills or school safety, please feel free to contact me directly.
From the PTO :
A special thank you to the PTO for providing lunch for teachers and staff on Wednesday 9/18.
Thanks to everyone who donated items to help "Stock the Lounge". We really appreciate it.
Spirit Wear Update: due to extending the due date to turn in forms, some items will not be delivered until mid October. PTO will have another Spirit Wear sale in November just in time for Christmas.
We will be selling Nothing Bundt Cake cards for our Fall Fundraiser. Forms and information will be going home the week of September 30. Please be on the lookout for them!
Hispanic Heritage Month:
From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community. This is a time to recognize the impact of the Hispanic community on our nation’s story and to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our school and broader community.
PowerSchool Parent Portal:
In order to stay up to date about your child’s grades and attendance, it is very important that you download the Powerschool Parent Portal App. HERE is all the information you need to download the app and set up its features. Please let us know if we can help you.
Photos & Forms:
This year it is important for all families to update their student's information in PowerSchool by completing the Back to School Forms. One of the things that must be done is opting in or out for photos. Opting in means a student’s photo can be taken and used. This includes being in the yearbook.
Reproductive Health Consent Forms:
Please log into PowerSchool to complete the Reproductive Health Consent or Withhold Consent for Student Participation form for your student. This is a new form, and even if you have already submitted other back-to-school forms, we still need your input on this specific matter. Your prompt attention and assistance are greatly appreciated as we ensure all necessary documentation is in place for the school year.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application:
Breakfast and lunch are not universally free for all students. If you would like your child to eat meals at school, you will either need to put money on their online account or you will need to secure a free/reduced lunch status by filling out the required form. Paper forms are available in the WAMS main office or you can fill it out online. Please make sure that you have been approved for free or reduced lunch or that your child has lunch money in their account.
Canvas Observe:
Parents can sign up as an observer in Canvas. Observers can link their Canvas account to their student's account so they can see assignment due dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course. How to Sign Up to Become a Canvas Observe
Athletics Events:
Monday, September 23: Cross Country at Southeast HS
Tuesday, September 24: Volleyball at WAMS
Tuesday, September 24: Boy’s Soccer at WAMS
Wednesday, September 25: Football at Woodlawn
Thursday, September 26: Volleyball at Broadview
Thursday, September 26: Boy’s Soccer at Broadview
As always, thank you for your continued support. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.